Department of State and Federal Programs

Reality-Based Mentoring A research-based, video-centered program that profiles real kids talking about real issues like bullying, drugs and alcohol, stress and anxiety, technology, character development, health and wellness. The accompanying curricula and strategies are intended to improve student outcomes related to positive character development, prosocial behavior, and academic performance. The Connecting with Kids program builds real-life connections at school and at home that improve school climate and encourage academic achievement in a positive, caring culture.

 ARMI Teacher/Student Survey Results.  Academic vs social/emotional mentoring.  Complies with the Texas Education Agency: FASRG under the umbrella of mentoring.  Researched Based and endorsed by the What Works Clearinghouse.  Multimedia is a component of the modern learning style.

The program consists of 5 DVDs, encompassing 5 overall topics. Each DVD set provides teacher resources that include:  Suggested teaching materials  Video segment summaries  Discussion questions  Teaching objectives  Procedural steps  Student handouts  Books and web resources  Assessment forms Overview of the “Connecting with Kids” Program

(22 minute Reality Based Broadcast video- programming focusing on the health, education and well being of children) High Anxiety helps students learn to manage internal pressures and external stress from peers, parents and teachers. The series includes suggestions on developing note-taking skills, test- taking strategies and time management plans.

(30 minute Reality Based Broadcast video- programming focusing on health, education and well being of children) Paula Schwartzberg is a school administrator who trains educators to prevent school violence. “We’re talking about crimes here,” Schwartzberg says. “We’re talking about not letting students do things in school that we would never let adults do in society.” Not Cool to Be Cruel provides learning experiences on school safety, anger control, managing feelings and dealing with bullying.

(30 minute Reality Based Broadcast video- programming focusing on health, education and well being of children) Many teachers are using character education to reinforce core traits, such as honesty and responsibility. Schools are incorporating character education into the curriculum with great results. Inside Out deals with being personally responsible, focuses on the issues of cheating and lying and helps define the effects of good character.

(30 minute Reality Based Broadcast video-programming focusing on health, education and well being of children) Explore the impact of technology on a new generation of children who will never know a world without the internet, cell phones and . Wired! focuses on the skills needed to use the Internet and to develop media literacy. The program deals with the dangers that this technological freedom may bring to children, from making purchases on the Internet to the pager that most teens now have in their backpacks. The activities ensure that students are “Internet literate” and ready to utilize the power of media in the learning process.

(30 minute Reality Based Broadcast video-programming focusing on health, education and well being of children) In most schools across the country, the divisions among different cultures are clear. Students often choose to hang out with peers who are of a similar race and color. Not Like Me helps children learn acceptance in a culturally diverse world. Students talk about prejudice, racism and diversity by discussing questions such as “What does diversity mean, and why is diversity important?” The series focuses on the different races, religions, national origins, practices, laws, customs and traditions.

◦ Have all campuses on the same topic  Principal Suggestion ◦ ARMI: Every teacher mentoring with “Connecting with Kids” Program once a week ◦ Campus promote the topic of study to all staff and student body ◦ Roll out date: February 14-18, 2011

What does the time frame look like? Since the lessons will take place only once a week the projected time frame is below: February Week: March Week:1-4 (TAKS) 7-11 Intersession/TAKS testing April Week: (TAKS) MayWeek:

 Each documentary contains five key segments. Students should view one segment at a time throughout the program of study. At the end of the program topic, students should view the complete documentary again in order to reinforce the learning experience.  Several activities correspond to each video segment, and educators may select activities depending on teaching and learning styles.  Before viewing: curriculum guide page 2

Topic 1: High-Anxiety Video

◦ Discuss the role of each team member and expected impact on the campus. ◦ Sharing

 Plan Plan

 Receive Materials  District Support  Question and Answer